Narratives about motorcycling on Northern California's back roads; Reflections on the history and geography of the North State; Memoirs and early recollections of youthful visits to towns and forests and mountaintops.
Also middle-of-the-road takes on current issues in politics and education. Middle of the road? Isn't that dangerous?

Saturday, August 1, 2015

THE HOME OWNER

People You Meet on the Road:

Ukiah, California edition

10:00 AM today:Backing the Moto Guzzi into a space in
front of Mendocino Book Company – one of the closer independent booksellers to
our new digs – I noticed a gentleman, about my age, pausing before getting into
the newish Grand Cherokee in a neighboring slot.The Jeep had some random building materials tied to its roof
rack.

“Man, that’s a beautiful bike,” he said as I killed the
engine.His eyes flashed like
those of one anticipating a fine stretch of curves on a perfect summer day.

I gave my pat response: “Better than I deserve.”

He moved closer, staring at the gleaming chrome and polished
black paint on my Breva.“I had a
V-65 Lario.Thing was
bulletproof.Compared to a Ducati?”He buzzed his lips and shook his
head.“Loved that Guzzi.Sold it 20 years ago.Haven’t ridden since.”

I nodded knowingly, though I knew nothing about a ’65 Lario
or most any other vintage Guzzis.“Haven’t
ridden since?”I asked.“Why?”

“Bought a house.”

[The reader will note that folks who ride (or rode) often
speak in phrases, or at best, very short sentences.]

“Well, we
should get you back in the saddle.”I handed him a Church of the Open Road calling card.

He glanced at the card then returned the bike.“Love to, but can’t.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“Fixin’ the house,” he said gesturing toward the lumber on
top of his Cherokee.

“You been fixin’ your house for twenty years?”

His gaze lowered to the paint stripe separating our vehicles.“Yep.”His now-crestfallen voice was nary a whisper.

Eventually, he looked up and, together, we laughed.

He climbed into the Jeep, backed out and, as he drove off,
said, “Some day…”

About Me

Maps. Some of the best stories one encounters one encounters by reading a map. A map is the framework - the outline - upon which both history and fantasy are crafted.
Just as two people can witness an event and come up with entirely different recollections - each completely true, verifiable and accurate - two people can travel the same mapped route and come up with entirely different stories. But without the map, perhaps they'd have no story to tell.
Some of the best anthologies in my library are stuffed in my map case.